Consulting-Specifying Engineer - May 2008 - (Page 10) In The News U.S., China fire experts gather in Beijing for fire protection seminars xperts from the United States and China gathered in Beijing to study fire sprinklers and fire detection systems in roadway tunnels at a seminar conducted by the Fire Protection Research Foundation. The seminar took place April 9-11. Participants had an opportunity to share information on topics of interest related to fire sprinklers and detection systems in roadway tunnels including standards, emerging technologies, research projects and findings, and new products and applications. “The topics studied at this event are significant to the identification and development of future improvements in fire protection. We are pleased to have had an opportunity to present our research and learn from others,” said Kathleen Almand, executive director of the Fire Protection Research Foundation. The Foundation is sponsoring and coordinating Seminars on Emerging Technology and Standards Development: Fire Sprinklers and Roadway Tunnels in cooperation with its affili- E ate, the National Fire Protection Assn., and the National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. (NEMA). The seminar is part of the Standards and Conformity Assessment Cooperation Program of the U. S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The Foundation has worked with NEMA, USTDA’s program management agent, through its office in Beijing to coordinate the event. “This particular workshop is exactly the sort of event we envisioned in putting this program together with USTDA,” said Gene Eckhart, NEMA director of international operations. “It brings together the leading edge experts from U.S. industry and their counterparts from China to exchange critical information that can lead to safer systems for the citizens of China, while giving U.S. companies insight that could lead to new commercial opportunities,” he said. The Fire Protection Research Foundation presented an overview of research findings from a project on detection system performance in roadway tunnels. AIA names top sustainable architecture and green design solutions he American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The project descriptions highlight both the design innovations and sustainable strategies, along with the metrics achieved in terms of reduced carbon emissions, reduced energy consumption and improved building functionality. “These projects were judged against a rigorous set of criteria to determine the best examples of sustainable design concepts and intentions,” said Henry Siegel, FAIA, chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment. “In addition to examining their architectural innovation, the buildings had to have shown design elements within their regional/community context, land use and site ecology that benefits surrounding ecosystems; resource conservation through bioclimatic design; and the health benefits associated with improved lighting and indoor air quality.” The top 10 projects selected include the following: • Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, Baraboo, Wis. • Cesar Chavez Library, Laveen, Ariz. • South Lake Union Discovery Center, Seattle • Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry, Pa. • Garthwaite Center for Science and Art, Weston, Mass. • Macallen Building Condominiums, Boston T • Queens Botanical Garden Visitor Center, Flushing, N.Y. • Sculpture Building and Gallery. New Haven, Conn. • Lavin-Bernick Center, New Orleans • Internal Revenue Service—Kansas City Campus, KanEarth tubes were installed for the geosas City, Mo. (honthermal system at the Aldo Leopold orable mention). Legacy Center, a LEED Platinum project. T h e 2 0 0 8 C O T E Photo: Aldo Leopold Legacy Center Top 10 Green Projects program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality. 10 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • MAY 2008
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